7 Questions Before Hiring a Coach.

Hello growth seekers,

Picture this: You're trekking through an uncharted forest, armed with little more than a compass and a keen sense of curiosity. You're on a journey, a quest to discover your fullest potential and unlock the doors to personal growth. But as you navigate this wilderness of self-discovery, you may find yourself at a crossroads, wondering which path to choose.

Asking for help is an integral behavior for those truly committed to their growth. It's akin to pulling out a well-folded map when you reach an unfamiliar junction. It's admitting that you're not alone in your journey, and that's perfectly okay. Here at Growth Republic, we share this conviction: empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their development is far more valuable than any cookie-cutter solution we could offer.

Now, here's the twist—there's more than one way to receive help on your growth journey, just as there's more than one trail through the forest. Step into the trio of personal growth avenues: mentoring, coaching, and therapy. Each one offers its unique set of tools and strategies to help you navigate life's twists and turns, but they're as different as a compass, a Swiss Army knife, and a trusty pair of hiking boots.

🔔 Mentoring is like having a seasoned guide by your side, someone who's traversed similar paths and can share their wisdom. It's like hiking with an experienced friend who points out the shortcuts and highlights the scenic spots. The mentor will offer their experience as grounds upon which the mentee can reach further clarity. Occasionally, the mentor might give advice when asked. A mentor is usually a person you trust or a person with recognized experience in your field of mentorship.

🔔 Coaching, on the other hand, is akin to having a personal fitness trainer for your mind. Your coach helps you set clear goals, identifies your strengths and weaknesses, and helps you think through the problem in a moment where the process of thinking might benefit from external help. The coach will not suggest solutions, and you are fully accountable for your decisions and the outcome of the coaching process. A coach is a professional practitioner who owns coaching credentials that ensure professional and ethical standards (such as ICF – International Coaching Federation)

🔔 And then there's therapy, a bit like visiting a forest ranger when you've encountered some wild and challenging terrain. It's about understanding and addressing deep-rooted issues, gaining emotional clarity, and healing old wounds. Therapy is your emotional first-aid kit and compass combined. A therapist is a professional practitioner who holds specific academic qualifications for the psychotherapy practice.

In the chapters to come, we'll dive deep into the world of coaching. We'll equip you with seven powerful questions that you should ask yourself before embarking on a coaching contract. These questions aren't just conversation starters; they're tools to help you frame your challenges, clarify your goals, and even uncover solutions that have been hiding in plain sight.

🥾 So, grab your metaphorical hiking boots, tie up those laces, and join us as we venture deeper into the terrain of personal growth. Together, we'll navigate the coaching landscape and make sure you're well-prepared for the incredible journey ahead.

The 7 Questions to ask yourself before reaching out to a professional coach

Unlock the power of self-discovery and ensure you make the right choice. Here are seven essential questions before hiring a coach that we leveraged from the more comprehensive set of questions outlined in the book “The 7C of Coaching”.

🙋🏻‍♂️ Why do I want coaching, why now, and why with this coach? What can the coach do that I can't already do for myself?

These questions cut to the core of your motivation and readiness for coaching. Reflecting on why you seek coaching prompts a deep exploration of your goals and aspirations. Is it to improve specific skills, overcome challenges, or enhance overall well-being? Timing matters too. Identifying why now can reveal the urgency or significance of your goals. The third question, "Why with this coach?" encourages you to assess if the coach you chose aligns with your values, needs, and personality. Effective coaching hinges on a strong client-coach relationship, making it crucial to choose someone who resonates with you.

🏆 What is the change I want to make and how will it deliver value for me?

This question delves into the heart of your coaching objectives. Identifying the change you seek is essential to define your coaching goals clearly. Whether it's personal growth, career advancement, or improved relationships, understanding the specifics of your desired change is the first step. Furthermore, exploring how this change will deliver value for you is equally crucial. It helps uncover the underlying motivations and the benefits you anticipate. This reflection reinforces your commitment to the coaching process and provides a tangible vision of the rewards awaiting you on your journey to transformation.

✋🏻 What is stopping me from doing this already?

This question invites deep introspection into the barriers and obstacles that have hindered you from acting independently. Identifying these roadblocks is key because it uncovers patterns, fears, or limiting beliefs that may have held you back.

By understanding what's been stopping you, you gain valuable insights into the internal and external forces that have impeded your progress. This self-awareness is the first step towards dismantling these barriers, empowering you to move forward with clarity and determination, with the help of your coach.

🧿 Have I thought through the criteria for a successful solution?

This question encourages a structured approach to your coaching journey. It prompts you to define the benchmarks for success and outline the specific criteria that signify achievement. Taking time to articulate these criteria not only clarifies your expectations but also serves as a compass throughout the coaching process. It allows you and your coach to align your efforts and measure progress effectively. By having a clear vision of what success looks like, you set yourself up for a more focused and fruitful coaching experience.

🛠 What might I find difficult about making the change?

This question delves into the potential challenges and obstacles that may arise during your journey of change. It's an opportunity to anticipate and prepare for the road ahead. Identifying these difficulties in advance helps you develop strategies and coping mechanisms to navigate them effectively. It also fosters a proactive mindset, allowing you to approach challenges as opportunities for growth rather than roadblocks. By acknowledging potential hurdles, you're better equipped to stay resilient and committed to your transformation goals with the support of your coach.

🧨 How do I know there is a problem? Which evidence do I have?

These questions prompt you to critically examine the existence of a problem. They encourage you to seek concrete evidence and data that validate the need for change. By requiring you to substantiate your concerns with evidence, these questions ensure that your coaching journey is grounded in reality rather than assumptions. This rigorous assessment helps you pinpoint the areas that genuinely require improvement, ensuring that your coaching experience is laser-focused on addressing the issues that matter most to you.

⭐ When complete, how will things be different for me?

This question acts as a compass for your coaching journey. It compels you to envision the desired outcome with crystal clarity. By painting a vivid picture of the future, you set a tangible goalpost for your transformation. This vision becomes your guiding light, motivating you to stay committed to your coaching process. It also allows you and your coach to measure progress effectively and celebrate your achievements when you've reached the destination you've so vividly described.

Resources

For an expanded set of questions, you can reference Mick’s book.

📔  The 7C of Coaching, Mick Cope

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Here's to a future of growth and success!